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Alessandro Portelli may be best known for oral history work in his native Italy, but in many ways, his heart is in Harlan County, Kentucky. He first heard about Appalachian culture in 1960s folk songs, but he didn't get a chance to visit Kentucky until 1973. That's when he first met Annie Napier, a woman he'd later consider family. Alessandro joins Dick to talk about the people he met in Harlan County and what they taught him about the importance of listening to one another.

Life

When columnist Cathleen Falsani won a trip to Africa in a raffle, she planned to veer off the tourist track, do some writing. She never imagined that a young boy would steal her heart the moment he sat in her lap. Also in this episode: We like to hear remarkable listener stories. Chuck Walkley's neighbor Jennifer heard Chuck's story and she told us, and we persuaded him to come in to the studio.

Life

When the Perez family gathers this weekend in Los Angeles to mark Father's Day, the man who'll be the center of attention is the patriarch Samuel. Samuel and his wife made sure that all eleven of their children went to college. But the name of a Texas farmer, Clarence Martin will likely come up as well. Clarence hired Samuel to work as a farmhand back in the 1950s, and he helped Samuel get a green card.

Life

News

Ali Salem is one of Egypt's most prominent writers. He's watched the popularity of Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood grow over time, and that growth worries him. When one of his friends was murdered by fanatics in 1992, he became one of the country's most outspoken critics of religious extremism. Also on the show: another edition of Ahmed's Diary. And, the story of Pa-Pa's rooster.

Life

In 1997, the Dothan High School Class of '77 held its 20th reunion in Dothan, Alabama. Actually, there were two reunions - one for white students, and one for black students. A few students, including Robert Dickens and Bill Perkins, went to both. Robert and Bill vowed to have one unified celebration for their 30th reunion, which will take place this weekend. Also on the show: a painting finds its way back home.

Life

When Greg Barbera lost his job as managing editor of a newspaper, he began staying home with his kids, and by default he became a stay-at-home dad. Greg has had mixed experiences in his role as the primary caregiver of his two sons, ages 7 and 3. He sometimes feels excluded by women at the neighborhood park. But he also feels tremendous satisfaction in steering the family ship. Later on the show: sarcasm saves the day.

Business

Charlie Sydnor is a rancher and doctor in North Carolina who used to be part of the mainstream cattle industry, trucking them off to the feedlot to fatten up on grain before getting slaughtered. On September 11, 2001, the bottom dropped out of the beef market. Charlie lost a lot of money and that led to a realization - he wanted to raise his cows differently. Also on the show: a Palestinian journalist tries to explain the political situation in Gaza to her three-year-old son. And, a follow up with the proud moms of a newborn baby boy.

Arts & Culture

Life

Luke Ashley was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and for three years he was in and out of mental hospitals. Because he had a drug problem, he also was in and out of the criminal justice system. He was sentenced to time in a state-run substance abuse program - but there was no space for him. So Luke went to jail, and ended up committing suicide. Dick Gordon talks with Luke's mother, Tricia Ashley. Also on the show: memories of a milkman.